Tag Archives: Antidepressant

LIFESTYLE SERIES WEEK #4: Prayer Before Pills

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prayer_journal

 

[DISCLAIMER]

Before anyone freaks out about me discussing my stint with antidepressants, I am fully aware that many people truly need them for chemical imbalances and psychological issues. I respect anyone who seeks help and receives proper  treatment. My experience was with doctors who rather just put you on a pill instead of giving you healthy lifestyle options. That is all I’m offering here. The options that have worked for me, but that doesn’t mean they work for everyone.  

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Here we go…week # 4 is the most important tip I have shared so far in the SOS journey. In the beginning, I wasn’t confident enough to share this probably for fear of being judged, but now I’m all about transparency in order to help others. What I have found on this healing journey is women who “have lost themselves” or “want something that’s all their own” or “feel unfulfilled” have disconnected from their own spirit and from God. Throughout my 20’s, this is exactly what my issue was. I was spinning my wheels trying to fulfill myself with my career, building my resume, being a size 2, dating the wrong guys and wanting more money, money, money.

After hitting rock bottom and crying out to God, I implemented this morning ritual into my life and it changed everything. Starting to learn to love myself, reconnect with God, finding peace and controlling the mind crank was so important to me that I was willing to do whatever I needed to do to achieve it– especially without RX medication.  Back at that time, Aaron was working construction and got up for work at 4:30am so it was easy to get up with him. I get it– some people just aren’t morning people, but even just devoting 10-15 minutes to getting your peace on and focusing on a prayer of gratitude will completely change your life. Again, this is what worked for me. That doesn’t mean you have to to the exact same ritual. Many women I coach have fit their “God appointment” into their routine after they have taken the kids to school and have a quieter home.

From my heart to yours…

In our generation, we have so many great resources at our fingertips. On mornings I don’t feel like reading, I may watch an empowering message on YouTube or listen to a podcast. Remember, find what works for you, what captures your attention and gets down into your spirit. Do more of that!

Thank you for allowing me to feel safe enough to be transparent here.

Share with a friend who you feel needs this message.

Holding your hand. Giving you a hug.

 

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Hey DFW Sistas! If you want to become a better speaker and gain more confidence in front of the camera, please join us on Feb 25th for my LADYBOSS ONLY Workshop. Register here>> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ladyboss-only-on-camera-confidence-workshop-tickets-31582476036

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STRESS: Make It A Manageable Beast

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Question- What’s your stress level on a regular basis?  You are probably wondering, “Tiff, what does that have to do with beauty, style or inspiration?”…well, it has a lot to do with how healthy, vibrant, aware, sharp, peaceful and powerful you feel.  Constant stress is carried on your face and will dull your light and not to mention over time it can cause serious dis-ease in your body. So, let’s discuss this because I am personally checking in with myself and my own stress levels on a regular basis and I find everywhere I turn people are just out-of-their-mind STRESSED OUT!  This is no way to live ladies. LIFE IS SHORT!

I’m about to keep it very real here…

In the past I lived in a constant state of high anxiety because I had not healed through my issues and like many people I numbed myself with drugs and alcohol. A friend convinced me to see a doctor and of course, they put me on anti-depressants, anti-anxiety pills and ambien to sleep because I would be so amped up from the other pills.  WHEW! It’s a vicious cycle with this stuff and I couldn’t function long on all these RX’s.  For me, the only thing that worked to calm the nerves was to turn to God, begin red flagging my stressors and begin a serious spiritual practice of prayer & journaling. As I began to crack open my spirit and face my issues, I was more in tune with myself and the things, situations and PEOPLE that stressed me out. Learning to manage your stress will change your life and the lives of those around you!  It truly effects every area of our lives:

  • Sleep Difficulties
  • Loss of Appetite or Over-eating
  • Lack of Concentration
  • Sloppy performance on the job
  • Anti-social Behavior
  • Abusing Alcohol or Drugs
  • Nervous Habits
  • Short Temper
  • Poor Memory

Does that sound about right? Make it a priority to check in with yourself on a regular basis and deal with the stress so it doesn’t grow into an unmanageable beast.

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Here’s 20 tips I have found to help:

  1. Do not keep things bottled up! Talk to someone you trust to help you work through it.
  2. Spend time daily doing an activity you love. (I clear my head with a long powerwalk)
  3. Improve your diet! Eating vitamin rich foods and avoiding junk with preservatives will keep your nervous system functioning properly. Add a B complex supplement too!
  4. Simplify! This is so important but very difficult for “busy bodies”. Stop taking on too many activities at once. You know the popular saying, “my plate is so full”. Well, change that!
  5. Stop rushing! When you feel panicked or rushed, STOP- sit quietly, take a deep breath and regain your composure.
  6. Keep a zen-like peaceful environment at work and at home.
  7. Be present! Don’t put too much thought into the future or the past. Enjoy the NOW!
  8. Avoid unrealistic expectations on yourself and others! Whew- this will alleviate a ton of stress.
  9. Get enough sleep!
  10. Exercise  more! It produces “feel good” chemicals.
  11. Take note of your moods! Ladies, we have those pesky hormones to deal with so be aware of how you’re feeling emotionally and cut yourself a break when you need to.
  12. Explore relaxation methods: Yoga, walking, journaling, listening to soothing music, hiking, etc.
  13. Express yourself! If you feel sad, allow yourself a good cry. If you’re angry, express it constructively. (Breaking plates not allowed)
  14. Love people and use things! Not the other way around. Walking in love is a huge stress reducer. Drop the ego.
  15. Take a techno break! Unplug the phone, stay off the computer, don’t watch TV. Often these things bring major stress into our life and we don’t even realize it.
  16. Learn the power of saying “NO”.  This brings tons of stress on many woman. Being a ‘people pleaser’ will ultimately stress you out and build resentment!
  17. Do not use crutches! Food, cigarettes, drugs or alcohol will also ultimately add to your stress instead of the temporary relief of it.
  18. Avoid boredom! Period.
  19. Surround yourself with positive peeps!  Stress and negativity are contagious so hang out with positive, uplifting friends.
  20. Get in touch with the little kid inside you on a regular basis!  Try to have more fun and find things that give you a good belly laugh every once in a while.

Most important thing of all – GRACE!  It gives you the strength and power to get done what you need to even when you think you can’t. Tap into it.

Have a beautiful weekend sistas!

Love, Tiff

GET OUT OF YOUR HEAD…and go help somebody! {Sunday Affirmations}

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Hey Fab Friends,

helping_others

I trust you are all having a terrific weekend!  I am in an especially great mood today because of a BIG miracle I got to witness this weekend.  The power of the human spirit never ceases to amaze me.  It’s a beautiful thing when people join together to help others.  It’s a total win-win because the receiver is helped and the giver is filled with joy.  A lesson I learned a long time ago is that the best natural anti-depressant is to get your mind off yourself and go help someone else.  It is a recipe for depression when we mull over our problems constantly and get a bad case of ME-itis.  In the coming week, let’s be aware of this and start practicing reaching out to help someone else when we find ourselves thinking “me, me, me” too much. 

Remember, if you need something…give it away!  Sounds backwards, but it’s a real principal.  If you feel lonely, go find someone who needs a friend.  If you need a smile, give one and so on.  I find if I catch myself thinking about my problems too much and start feeling blue I stop and send an encouraging text/email or write a ‘just thinking about you’ note to someone.  Otherwise, it’s just too easy to slide down that slippery slope of whining, complaining and feeling depressed.  NO THANK YOU!  There’s a million little ways to help others and many do not cost a thing.  We should keep our eyes open for people in need because they are everywhere!  Helping others is really the absolute best mood lifter and remember what you put out will come back to you 100 fold.

THIS WEEK I WILL…..

  1. Get my mind off myself.  Narcissism isn’t pretty!
  2. Open my eyes + heart to those in need.
  3. Be a giver, not a taker.
  4. Practice reaching out more.
  5. Send an encouraging note to a deserving friend.
  6. Give without expectation of praise or reward.
  7. Be of service to my family, the community and the world.
  8. Shift my focus from getting to giving.
  9. Smile at every stranger I pass.
  10. Leave others better than before I saw them
  11. Remember that I am blessed to be a blessing!

YOUR THOUGHTS?

I appreciate all the comments and always do my best to respond to every single one! 

Wishing you all a fantastic week ahead. 

Walk Tall Sistas!

Love, Tiff

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My Ingredients for a Happy, Meaningful & Successful Life

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Hey Gorgeous Girls!

Today’s message is short, sweet and to the point!  Please share an ‘ingredient’ that you have found to add happiness to your life..comment below!

Tiff’s Ingredients for a Happy, Meaningful & Successful Life:

  • Don’t let the Negative Nellie inside you strangle the Positive Polly in you! 
  • Treat others with respect & kindness…you get what you give.
  • Helping others is like a natural anti-depressant!  Feeling down?  Go find someone to help!
  • Work hard at everything you do. Laziness sucks!
  • Make learning a lifetime pursuit!
  • Laugh more & stop taking everything so serious.
  • Be present! The past is over.
  • Be flexible & open-minded!
  • Prioritize & use your time well. (and I do appreciate you taking the time to read this blog)
  • Eat right & exercise!  DUH!
  • Words are powerful…be mindful of what you say.
  • Always keep believing in yourself no matter the circumstance!
  • Take the high road!
  • Do not compare yourself to others…success to one person can be something totally different for another.
  • Be grateful for what you have…and you’ll get more of it! WooHoo!
  • Codependent relationships do not serve your highest good. You be you and let them, be them. Got it?  Good!
  • Your self-worth is not validated on anything external.  You are worthy of greatness simply because God put you on this Earth.
  • Fake it till ya make it! If you do it long enough, eventually it becomes the real thing!
  • Live with purpose & NEVER GIVE UP!

…add a dash of cayenne and your life will rock!

I lived too many years of my life with low self-worth, self-loathing and to put it plainly- I didn’t love myself.   I see many women today walking around zombie-like with their heads hanging down which tells the world “I’m not worthy”.   I want this epidemic to STOP!

Don’t forget: The “Thank You Giveaway” ends Friday, May 18th. Winner will be announced Saturday.  Who wants to see this agate bracelet on their arm?  To enter, simply:

  1. SHARE the “Rock the Red Jeans” video on your Facebook page or Tweet it.
  2. POST the following sentence on the SOS Facebook page, “I am bold and walk tall in my power”

Are you a social butterfly?

Like: https://www.facebook.com/sanctuaryofstyle

Follow: https://twitter.com/#!/SanctuaryStyle

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Go out there and receive the greatness you are deserving of!

Love, Tiff

Coming Soon- Summer Beauty Tips! Stay Tuned!